Building a small army to take over the world and... leave everybody alone.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Should We Abandon The American Flag?

Discussion Point - 10/3/09: Should true patriots abandon the American flag in favor of an alternative?

Left: A photo depicting the "Flag of the Second American Revolution." Click the photo to see its source.

A follow-up question would be: Does even asking the question make you an intolerable nut-job on the fringe of the resurgent center-right freedom movement in America? Or is it a perfectly fair one to ask?

This blogger raises the question, citing a recent article by Chuck Norris calling for an alternative flag to set true patriots apart from the rest of Americans who are running this country into the ground.

Please set aside for the moment, Mr. Norris' conception of an ideal American patriot who he sees as someone who "will serve God and the republic as the Founders did."

For our purposes, let's just say "Americans of all kinds who want to severely reduce and limit the size, role, and influence of government." Should such Americans fly a different flag?

Suggestions for alternatives include, the "Betsy Ross" flag with the 13 stars for the 13 original states, the Gadsden flag or First Navy Jack (which depict a snake and the motto: "Dont Tread On Me"), or the "Flag of the Second Revolution" -a modified "Betsy Ross" flag with a "II" to indicate a Second American Revolution.

In the last Discussion Point, "Do We Work Within The Two Party System?" commentators left some excellent thoughts. I felt however, that there was very little exchange going on. While saying contrary things, the commentators didn't respond enough to each others thoughts.

I'm not trying to egg on a fight here (and certainly expect discussion and debate to be charitable and kind), but please let me encourage you to offer rebuttals to another commentator's thesis when it contradicts yours. The whole point of this is to learn from and sharpen each other.

Here's some relevant music to listen to while you're writing and thinking:

In my opinion our flag still stands for freedom and liberty and should not be changed. What our flag stands for hasn't chaged, our government and some of our people have. I just don't think I could part with the red, white and blue. But maybe I'm old fashioned, because I still get teary eyed when I see the flag waiving while singing the national anthem.

Good arguments all! Hans, given the arguments of the two commentators following you, why do you think it's worthwhile to design an alternative flag? PS: excellent historical observation, and I would love to see your design. My email is wemessamore@gmail.

This seems more like debate over symbols, not substance. Isn't it more important to be convincing people that we have significantly strayed from Constitutional rights and liberties and that this is a problem?

Also, adopting a new symbol may only further remove the young "liberty movement" in America from mainstream politics. Hopefully if a new symbol becomes widespread it will draw attention to our ideals in a positive way...but I'll hold my breath until then.

I have no issue with the comments posted here regarding love of country or love of our flag.

My motivation for design of an alternative was to create something out of traditional elements, visually similar to the US flag, that would stimulate folks to ask questions and talk about what is happening in our nation.

Over the last century, we as a people have been willing to accept "progressive" tyranny and Keynsian economics from our governors while we pretend to still believe in Libery and free markets.

For me, an alternative flag is a "battle standard" to rally attention until such time as we restore our Republic. At that time our traditional US Flag will once again suffice.

I've shared the PDF freely as an explanation for folks who inquired about the 3'x5' printed flag flying in the breeze. (The "base" 9-stripe is one of the pre Revolutionary War flags of the Sons of Liberty.)

This design was inspired by the historical fiction novels "Sparrowhawk" by Edward Cline. Mr Cline has a very unique perspective on Liberty and our Republic. He publishes regularly at www.ruleofreason.com and should be on your reading list (if not already).

You may post the PDF on your site for folks who might be interested in making one of their own. The design elements are all in the public domain. I do not plan commercial production but wish to retain rights to the composite intellectual property.

I think the new flag is sparking more controversy and curiosity to the movement more than the typical American Flag would. Our current flag has been hijacked by corporate elites and the new flag shows we stand apart from them. Of course the American flag will always be OUR flag. The new one is symbolic for the movement and I support it!